Classic French Onion Soup Recipe 

How to Make Classic French Onion Soup

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

1. Melt the butter: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onions: Once the butter is melted, add the sliced onions to the pot. Stir them to coat in the butter and oil.
3. Caramelize the onions: Lower the heat to medium-low and let the onions cook slowly, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. The sugar helps the onions caramelize and enhances their natural sweetness. Cook the onions for about 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. They should turn a deep golden brown, and their sweetness will intensify as they soften.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Deglaze with Wine

1. Add the garlic: Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
2. Deglaze with wine: If using, pour in 1/4 cup of dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

1. Add the broth and herbs: Pour in the beef broth, and add fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
2. Strain the soup: If you prefer a smoother broth, you can strain out the thyme and bay leaves after simmering.

Step 4: Prepare the Bread and Cheese Topping

1. Toast the bread: While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange the slices of French baguette on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip the slices and toast the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes.
2. Top with cheese: Once the bread is toasted, sprinkle each slice with a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Ladle the soup: Once the soup has finished simmering, ladle it into oven-safe soup bowls or crocks.
2. Top with bread and cheese: Place a slice of toasted bread with melted cheese on top of each bowl of soup. If you have smaller bowls, you can break the bread into pieces to fit.
3. Broil the soup: Place the bowls under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown spots. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
4. Serve hot: Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they’ll be very hot!) and serve immediately. Garnish with extra fresh thyme if desired.

Why You’ll Love Classic French Onion Soup

• Deep, Rich Flavor: The long caramelization process creates a complex, savory sweetness that’s the soul of this soup. Every spoonful is packed with flavor from the onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs.
• Perfectly Melted Cheese: The gooey, golden cheese atop the toasted bread adds both texture and indulgence, transforming this soup into something extraordinary.
• Comforting and Satisfying: French Onion Soup is perfect for any time of year—its rich, savory broth will warm you on a chilly evening, and its flavors are bold enough to make it a standout dish.
• Impressive Yet Simple: While the soup may look fancy, it’s surprisingly easy to make with basic ingredients. The combination of slow-cooked onions and a few pantry staples is a winner every time.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Wine: French Onion Soup pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the soup, making each bite even more enjoyable.
• Side Salad: Serve alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the soup.
• Main Dish: French Onion Soup can be a filling meal on its own, or serve it as a starter before a light main course, such as roasted chicken or a grilled vegetable dish.

Conclusion

Classic French Onion Soup is the epitome of comfort food—rich, hearty, and full of flavor. With its sweet, caramelized onions, savory broth, and melty cheese, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking it for a cozy dinner at home or serving it to impress guests, this soup never fails to satisfy. Try this recipe today and discover why French Onion Soup has remained a beloved classic for generations.